Genesis

Throughout this series, I 'm learning that Jesus loves to talk about himself. He specifically doesn't want things to become unclear or confused, so he even repeats himself. For example, in John 11 he calls himself "The Resurrection and the LIFE" and again he says, "I AM the Way the Truth and the LIFE." In a search for a fulfilling life in this busy "multi-tasking" world, Jesus wants one thing to be clear "HE IS THE LIFE." Since our sermon this last Sunday, this idea has been churning within me. It's comforting to know that Jesus wants us to have LIFE and that he is the only source of true LIFE. In HIM life begins, in HIM life is sustained and in HIM life is continued...forever (the resurrection). In what ways does Jesus give LIFE today? What is this LIFE according to Jesus and how might it be different than what we are prone to think?

Vicar Matthew 

The following links are good for some DaVinci code factual evidence.  There are certainly plenty of other resources out there, including Paul Maier's talk this Wed., but I think this is a good solid start. 

 http://www.leaderu.com/focus/davincicode.html

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/davinci-code.htm

http://www.religionfacts.com/da_vinci_code/index.htm  

 I'd love some good discussion here.  I shared my thoughts today, and would love to hear yours.  Are you going to the movie?  What's your take on our culture's reaction?  Have you had any interesting discussion on the topic? 

 ben

on sunday we talked about Jesus as the "light of the world" and how He exposes sin and helps keep us on the right track. hopefully it all made sense for the most part and the concept of living a life in the light of Christ versus fumbling in the darkness of sin was clear.

a couple discussion items:

• in the same way that the blind man's condition was used to glorify God, how have you experienced similar situations? what was the outcome?
  
  
• we talked about having mountain top spiritual experiences and how that makes satan try even harder to pull us down. have you experienced times in your life like this? how did you overcome?

just remember that Christ is there for you lighting the way and taking our hand (isaiah 42:16) He will never forsake us or give up on us!

blessings on the week ahead!

There's a lot I could do in review here. But, I thought it would be more fun to open things up to everyone. We are working on a new blog format that allows forums. In other words, we won't be limited to only the things the preacher puts on here.  But, until then, we are limited...

So, feel free to throw out a question, comment, funny story etc. whether related to the series or not.

Some thoughts to get us going. What is your testimony? What are your doubts? Where have you seen God show up? Where have you missed Him? Of course, feel free to go anywhere, just thought those would be interesting things to hear from you all.

ben

The core of today's message. You will never experience true faith, a real relationship with Jesus through someone else's experience.  Only through a true and personal encounter, a melting of your own heart will that happen.  God does not need us, but he may use us to be a part of that in the lives of others. 

 We also talked about how life and faith has it's ups and downs (the law of undulation).   Often times, the down swings are the times  when we are able to see Jesus with the most clarity. 

 I am excited to see where this series takes us and pray that you would know the real Jesus. 

ben